Costco has recorded a surge in fuel sales after expanding the operating hours of its petrol stations and opening new sites across the United States. The move, aimed at improving customer convenience, has paid off handsomely for the retail giant.
Speaking during Costco’s third-quarter earnings call, CEO Ron Vachris revealed that the company experienced “two of our highest-ever weeks” in terms of fuel volume sold this past April. He attributed the success to a trio of key factors: longer opening hours at existing petrol stations, the rollout of additional locations, and reduced prices at the pump.
Earlier this year, Costco made the decision to keep its North American fuel stations open for longer each day. The shift in operating hours allowed more members to take advantage of the retailer’s typically competitive pricing, especially at a time when fuel costs remain a major concern for households.
The increased demand was further bolstered by new station openings, part of a broader expansion plan aimed at strengthening Costco’s presence in key markets.
For shoppers, Costco’s strategy has delivered clear benefits. For the retailer, it has meant record-setting performance in one of its most consistent categories — all while reinforcing its reputation for delivering value and efficiency at scale.
The results come as Costco continues to outperform expectations and find new ways to meet customer needs, proving once again that thoughtful operational changes can drive meaningful growth.